Learn the Bingo Rules Before You Play the Game

Bingo is a popular game all around the world and although the basic bingo rules are very well known there might be some little variations. Fortunately, they are all easy to learn and are based on some basic rules.

On this page, we will explain in details the bingo rules and how to play the game. No matter which is your favourite variation the key features are the same. Players need to match the numbers on the balls, which are randomly selected by a caller to the ones on their bingo ticket or card in a certain pattern. The first one to match the numbers called out is the winner.

In general, the games consist of a caller, who is representing the casino. The caller announces a random single number at a time. And of course, every game has players who hold a certain amount of cards each.

The rules seem very straightforward, and they are, but there are some nuances in the different bingo game variations. Below we will discuss the rules of each bingo game, how to play it and the differences between the bingo variations.

We will start with the two most known and popular bingo games US Bingo (the 75-ball bingo variant) and UK Bingo (known as the 90-ball bingo). These two games, as well as the 80-ball variation, are always an option for online bingo players as most bingo sites offer these game types.

American Rules

As we already mentioned above this is the 75-ball bingo game, which as its name suggests, uses 75 numbers. There are groups of fifteen numbers divided by the letters BINGO which correspond to these groups of numbers from 1 to 75.

The cards for this game are squared and have 5 spaces across and 5 down which makes a total of 25 spaces. The centre spot is free and is automatically daubed by all players. Each space remaining on the card is filled with numbers following the BINGO layout. To complete a pattern, players must fill the required spaces as shown at the start of the game.

If the pattern is an X, it will require to daub two diagonal lines from left and right, to win. Another option is the Coverall or Blackout, which means that players must cover all numbers on the card to win.

UK Bingo Rules

This is a 90-ball bingo variation also known as European bingo. The basics of the game are the same, but the bingo card with the patterns is different. Another difference is that there are 90 numbers instead of 75.

The bingo card is called a bingo ticket and consists of three rows and 9 columns with numbers, 5 numbers in each row and some blank spaces. In the first column, you will find the numbers from 1 to 9, in the second from 10 to 19 and so on until the column which holds the numbers from 80 to 90.

In this game, a player can win three prizes for one covered line, for two covered lines and for all lines which is referred to as a Full House. So according to the rules, every game has at least 3 winners. The first one is the one who gets the full line across daubed; the second one completes two full lines across and the one who daubs all numbers on the ticket first, wins the full house prize.

80 Ball Rules

Another popular type of bingo is the 80 ball variation. It has its own rules and method of playing. This game is now available at most bingo sites and enjoys a growing popularity. Players who find the 90 ball game too long and the 75 ball game too short have a great alternative – the 80 ball bingo game. Again the main difference in the rules of this bingo game is on the card used.

There are 80 balls used in this game, and the card is a grid of 4 by 4 squares, 16 in total. Each column is coloured differently – the first one is red and represents the numbers from 1 to 20, the second one is yellow with the numbers from 21 to 40, next is the blue one with numbers from 41 to 60, and finally, the column with the numbers from 61 to 80 is silver.

The winning patterns vary over time in the different bingo sites and halls. Traditionally, there is a regular full house, but different options for the diagonal, horizontal, vertical pattern as well as the BIG X and the centre square. As with the other bingo types, the player who completes the required pattern first wins the game.

How To Play Bingo

Now that we have discussed the difference between the main types of bingo games let’s move on the rules and the actual gameplay. The first thing which both offline and online bingo players must do is purchase their cards or tickets.

Players who visit offline bingo halls will be given a dauber to mark all the numbers which are called out. But in many offline rooms, there are also electronic tables, where players do not need to daub cards.

This is done automatically by a software program, but these tables cost extra and need to be rented in advance. Online bingo players can use the auto daubing function which can be enabled and disabled when necessary. This feature is preferred by most online bingo players.

If you would like to play 75-ball bingo, you should know that the pattern will be shown before the game begins. This is the one which must be daubed to win the game. The most used patterns are the 4 corners, X, and coverall, but if you like playing online, you should know that there are more than 300 patterns.

Online the random number generators are the ones who decide the numbers called when the bingo game begins. This is what ensures the fairness of the selection of numbers in each bingo game. Modern technology is ever more present both in online and offline bingo halls. The numbers are located on a large board or screen as they are called out.

Players who are not using the auto-daub function must pay close attention the numbers, while at the same time checking the card or ticket for the number and daubing accordingly. The more the cards purchased, the more difficult it gets as the player must quickly find the numbers and dub them before the next number is called. Players who prefer playing with a large number of tickets or card, of course, prefer to get the electronic bingo table and activate the auto daubing and play with this function turned on.

The Winning Call

The famous call “Bingo” differs in offline and online bingo rooms. If you are playing in a land-based casino, you are required to shout it out loud so that everyone can hear it. If a player says it too softly, they risk their win.

Online players can call BINGO automatically, which means the software will halt the game and announce the winner and will also shout bingo in the chat room. This option can be switched on and off, but the automatic mode is preferably on.

The bingo game ends when all the winners have been announced, then it is time for the players to get ready for the next game. The prizes are awarded accordingly, and the winnings are deposited in every player’s account. In offline bingo halls, the winners will receive a voucher which they can redeem at the counter before leaving.

Basic Online Rules For Beginners

Online bingo is not difficult to play or and the rules are not hard to comprehend because all is almost the same as the traditional game. Anybody can join regardless of their skills. There may be small differences in the rules of the game in the different websites, but the main principle remains the same.

What you need to do first is register at a bingo site, it usually takes several minutes at most bingo sites. Typically, you will be asked to provide basic details like name, age and a nickname you will be using to play. Most websites offer to sign in bonuses for newly registered players. This bonus is usually in the form of a free credit or free money you can use to start playing. You will use the money to buy cards for the bingo games and engage in other games the site offers.

After buying your cards for the game of choice, you need to wait for it to begin. Usually, at the bingo sites, there is a timer to show you the amount of time left before the start of a new game.

Generally, there are two main types of bingo games played online. We have already mentioned these the 75-ball bingo game and the 90-ball game. As we already saw the 75 ball game is referred to as the American based game and the 90-ball variant is focused on the UK audience.

When the game starts a virtual caller will randomly choose numbers, and the auto daub feature will do the rest of the job for you. The numbers are always called by the letter and then the number that they correspond with. For example, you may here B11 if you have this number on your card the auto tab feature will mark it off right away.

The numbers are called very quickly, so if you do not use the automatic function, you risk missing some of them. Depending on the game the marked numbers should for a full card, a row or another pattern. According to the rules, the first player who completes the desired pattern is the winner.

We hope this page on the core rules is helpful to all who want to try online or offline bingo. The rules are almost the same for all the bingo variants and are quite easy to understand. The first step to enjoying a bingo game is to know its rules, so before you start playing check the rules of your preferred bingo variant above.

Last modified: May 28th, 2018 by Sam Barlow

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